Regional Kick Off Times

By Lestyn
December 28 2003

More unacceptable attendances for the regions should have prompted the WRU to push for a return to the more traditional Saturday afternoon kick off slots, however broadcasters S4C and BBC Wales have confirmed they will continue to screen games at the same times as before.

Unless the regions are successful, there is little chance of them attracting support in the present climate, only 1,800 turned up at St.Helens to see the Ospreys slump to their sixth straight defeat at the hands of Edinburgh in Europe's premier competition.

Having blown most of their budget on players who have mostly failed to deliver, there is little spare funding left for marketing either, even Cardiff who protested vigorously to stand alone, can no longer attract even 5,000 - a figure well below the average once seen in past seasons at the Arms Park.

The argument that people want to watch Premiership games on Saturday afternoon instead is a strong one, that is until people come to the realisation that is little other than a glorified under 21 league league, with a few journeymen mixed in between. But despite it's poor standard, the Premiership is attractive due to it's familiar clubs and supporter friendly kick offs. 

But Saturday kick off's are not the be-end to end all, the Television companies have every right to schedule games when they want them due to the deal signed way back in the summer of 2001, and the regions do get some sort of compensation for being shown on the box.

Until people switch allegiances to the top echelon of Welsh rugby, it would simply not make sense to show matches directly in competition with the more established clubs, The corporation must comprise and this is I feel a reasonable change.

Move Friday live games forward to 7:45. Five past seven kick offs have proven to be too early for people making it after work, the extra time makes it more attractive for away supporters.

The end of Saturday evening matches. Sunday may traditionally be a day of rest, but the Zurich Premiership has shown that by playing on Sunday, it enables the players of local clubs to support their biggest regional club.

Although one option worth considering is showing the regions away games, outside of Wales. The Warriors trip to Donnybrook to face Leinster on the 20th will be shown live.

Sunday evening rugby makes it first and hopefully last appearance in the latest batch of confirmed dates, with S4C looking to avoid any clashes with Six Nations games.

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